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Practical importance for conservation of insect diversity in China

Biodiversity & Conservation volume 14, pages 723–737 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract.

Insects are one of the most important groups in the natural world. They affect the life and welfare of humans in many different ways. While some insects are referred to as pests, others are beneficial to humans. For example, they may serve a function as pollinators of many cultivated plants, as natural enemies of harmful species, or as producers of valuable materials such as honey and silk. Several insect species, however, are not currently known as being harmful or beneficial. Nevertheless they are extremely important as essential components of both natural and modified ecosystems. In China, only 1% of insect species described are major pests. The majority of insects are either neutral or beneficial to humans. China, with its vast territory, diverse climate and ecosystems, is amongst the richest countries in insect diversity. However, as a result of the economic and population growth and development, China’s insect diversity is now faced with habitat degradation, species extinction, and a decline in the natural enemies of harmful pests. These problems are due to the expansion of agriculture, urbanization, industrialization, pollution, mining, tourism, introduced species, hunting, and the illegal trade in endangered species. In order to exploit the beneficial components of insects as biological resources and to effectively control their harmful aspects, many national strategies, legal actions and capacity-building activities have been developed and implemented. These efforts work towards the goal of insect diversity conservation in China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002, Fuzhou, Fujian , People’s Republic of China

    Minsheng You, Dunming Xu & Hongjiao Cai

  2. K.C. Irving Center of Sustainable Development, University of Moncton, E1A 3E9, New Brunswick, Moncton, Canada

    Liette Vasseur

Authors
  1. Minsheng You
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  2. Dunming Xu
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  3. Hongjiao Cai
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  4. Liette Vasseur
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You, M., Xu, D., Cai, H. et al. Practical importance for conservation of insect diversity in China. Biodivers Conserv 14, 723–737 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-004-3922-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-004-3922-7

Keywords

  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Endangered species
  • Insect
  • Management
  • Regulations

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